Full review

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Chausson S514 Sport Line

A year ago, Chausson launched its ‘S’ models – a pair of compact low-profiles designed to compete with campervans – and to appeal to first-time buyers and those on a budget. Now, for 2023, it has tweaked the recipe with new Sport Line versions that look completely different, thanks to the simple expedient of colour – a special grey normally seen on Ford’s Puma mini-SUV and, in the motorhome world, exclusive to Chausson.

It’s applied to the cab and the habitation body (except the roof, for reasons of insulation/heat) and, for the plastic components, it is impregnated into the parts rather than painted. That’s not all that’s changed, though, so let’s take a look at this latest S514...

The spec

The Sport Line adds a £5k premium over the original First Line model but it stays a whisker under 6m long and only 2.10m wide – that’s a useful 25cm slimmer than a typical coachbuilt motorhome and only a Fun Size Mars Bar broader than a Fiat Ducato van conversion. The intention is clear, especially with its new colour scheme, Chausson is aiming at buyers who are considering a campervan.

The new version adds campervan-style spec, too, including alloy wheels, a black grille, colour-coded bumper, front fog lamps, automatic lights and wipers, lane keeping assistance and collision warning. But it’s the new colouring that will catch the eye – and with those brilliant green graphics you’ll stand out on the campsite.

There are still areas where costs have been saved, such as the windowless door, but strongpoints are retained, too, including the framed windows and Technibox, with all the habitation electrics (plus the fresh water filler) together behind one external hatch. And Sport Line spec extends to a roll-out awning and a solar panel.

In motorhome terms, the little Chausson is also something of a rocket ship, as the Sport Line gets the 170PS engine and six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. This is a motorhome that will never, ever have a queue of cars following.

The cab

There’s a lot to like about the Ford cab, too – especially the much less bus-like driving position compared with Fiat’s Ducato. The leather-wrapped wheel is of modest diameter and it adjusts for both reach and rake. Combined with seats that are adjustable for height, tilt and lumbar support, you’ll be assured comfort for long distance touring. The Transit also has a softer ride than the Fiat, which is probably a factor in the S514 not having any habitation area rattles on the road.

The garage

The Chausson’s compact size also allows a super-generous payload and the garage is a good-sized – up to   1.07m high but, better still, you can just push on the slatted base of the bed above and it folds out of the way, increasing garage headroom to a maximum of 1.95m! There are loading doors on either side but the smaller nearside door can’t be clipped open due to the location of the boiler flue. There’s also a sliding door to access this space from inside the motorhome.

The interior

Inside, the square sides of a coachbuilt make for a more spacious feel than in an equivalent-length campervan. The Sport Line gets a new look, too, with an automotive-style faux leather upholstery in a design that matches the exterior, as well as a number of black ‘S’ accessories.

The layout is a conventional continental one but with a couple of changes for this new Sport Line model. Where there was a low cabinet, forward of the door, the cupboard has been reduced in size to incorporate a small jump seat. It’s only 30cm deep but it makes a great footrest for the swivelled driver’s seat.

The kitchen

Another change – not shown in our photos of a French spec motorhome – is the addition of an oven. UK customers have requested this but may be less impressed by its location – in a top cupboard over the dinette. Hmmm.

The rest of the galley is unchanged. It’s a compact space featuring a two-burner hob and not a lot of worktop, although a flap by the door does add some serving space. Storage includes two large top lockers and a good-sized, soft-closing cutlery drawer, plus another generous cupboard underneath that. The fridge is fairly modest, though, at 87 litres capacity.

If you’re looking for a bit of Chausson ingenuity then you’ll discover it at the rear. We’ve already noted how the rear half of the bed can be raised to increase garage space but the forward half is also hinged and supported by a gas strut. Chausson calls it a ‘butterfly bed’ because of the way it folds like the wings of a lepidopteran.

Tip the front part of the bed to vertical and you increase the floor space in the motorhome, which will be appreciated by anyone working in the kitchen (especially if their partner wants to get to the loo).

Not only that, but you now have easy access to the garage from inside the motorhome and the reasonably generous wardrobe (with top and front loading) is revealed on the nearside. Opposite, there’s a large cupboard, which greatly increases kitchen storage, and above that an open area designed to accommodate a microwave.

The beds

At night, Sport Line spec adds cab blinds but the main sleeping area is still at the back. The rear bed itself is 1.90m long but, if you’re tall, it’s worth noting that the distance from wall to wall gives you an extra 7cm to stretch out in.

You’ll need to use the ladder to access the bed but, once ensconced, you discover a firm, comfy mattress and good ventilation via an opening offside window and a roof vent. It’s also possible to convert the half-dinette into an occasional bed, with feet going onto the swivelled passenger seat.

The washroom

Finally, the washroom has pretty impressive use of space and the little room feels even less little because of the sheer size of the mirror behind the basin. The Thetford swivel toilet has plenty of legroom and there’s a fairly generous wall cupboard for all your toiletries.

Then, when you want a shower, the moulded washbasin and the wall behind it unclip and swing to the right to make a roomy cubicle that’s all plastic lined for easy maintenance. There’s a separate showerhead and a shelf for your shampoo (it’s big enough to even act as a seat), while the tray has twin drains, so your suds should soak away efficiently.

If you liked the S514 before, then the Sport Line’s extra style and spec could persuade you to sign on the dotted line, especially as the price remains below £60k.

The First Line version of the Chausson S514 has also been reviewed. Check it out here.